Gary Deon Maynard

Gary Deon Maynard of Cordell, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on July 3, 1942, in Cordell to Frank Jr. and Rita Maddox Maynard. Gary was married to Carol Peters of Bessie, OK, for over 50 years. He and Carol had three children together.

Gary grew up in Cloud Chief on the farm, picking cotton, plowing the fields, and helping with his two younger sisters: Linda Casey of Yukon, OK, and Janice Hayes of Tulsa, OK. It was not an easy way of life, but he was able to spend time with numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He enjoyed telling many stories about life growing up in Cloud Chief, America.

He attended Cloud Chief until his sophomore year, then attended Cordell High, playing football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he played a year of baseball at OU, then transferred to Central State, where he obtained his bachelor's degree. Upon graduating, Gary began coaching baseball and basketball at Braman, Dill City, Laverne, and Cordell. In July 1971, he obtained a Master of Education from Southwestern Oklahoma University and later a Master of Administration from OSU. During his years at Cordell, he served as a high school principal for many years and as superintendent for a period of time. After retiring, he continued coaching girls' basketball in Hobart and Burns Flat.

Working with and teaching young people was Gary's passion. He wanted each student to be successful. He taught strong character and respect through discipline while at the same time showing unconditional love. Gary's coaching style prepared players for the game but, more importantly, to meet the demands of life and to work through difficulties. His goal was to impress upon individuals the importance of pride in one's school, community, and self. These concepts were reflected in the way he lived his own life.

After retiring, he returned to his first love of cattle and farming.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and great-grandson, Elijah Baker.

Gary is survived by his three children: Rodney Maynard and wife Rhonda of Cordell, OK; Rocky Maynard and wife Elizabeth of Crestview, FL; and Rhonda Marchesi and husband Chris of Lyme, CT. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lindsey Maynard of Oklahoma City, OK; Kendra Baker and husband Matt of Moore, OK; Katherine Myers and husband Issac of Crestview, FL; Zach Maynard and wife Amy of Elk City, OK; JT Maynard and wife Lexi of Hobart, OK; Jacob Marchesi of Hamden, CT; and Nathan Marchesi of Lyme, CT. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Max, Major, Millie, Kai, Jaxon, Ella, and Shepherd. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends.

Gary made his family his first priority and dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and shared his faith with his family.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 8, 2025

First Baptist Church, Cordell, OK

Visitation: 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025

1:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2025

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, OK

Interment: Lawnview Cemetery, Cordell, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, OK

In lieu of flowers:

Our deepest gratitude to those who choose Cordell Academic Foundation, P.O. Box 171, Cordell, OK 73632, as a recipient of memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.